Justice News

Violent Offender Sentenced to 30 Years’ Imprisonment for Kidnapping

PHOENIX, – On February 6, 2017, Al Shonnie Ben, 40, of Tuba City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayesto 30 years’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Ben had previously pleaded guilty kidnapping.

The investigation revealed that on Sept. 7, 2014, Ben, a member of the Navajo Nation, using a knife, kidnapped and assaulted three victims, also members of the Navajo Nation, resulting in serious and substantial bodily injuries to the respective victims.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Dimitra H. Sampson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.